3.83 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

One beautiful opaque 3.83 carat cushion shape purplish blue lapis is presented with precise proportions, 12.72 x 12.70 x 2.23 mm, tablet cut, vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The gem is genuinely untreated, enhancement no enhancement, and it originates from Afghanistan. These fundamental details form the basis for understanding the piece, and they are stated here to provide an accurate record of the gem attributes. The weight is recorded as 3.83 carat, a size that balances presence and practicality for a variety of jewelry applications, while the cushion shape offers a versatile silhouette for both traditional and contemporary settings. The tablet cut produces a broad, flat crown, which emphasizes the stone surface and color rather than faceted brilliance, and the excellent polish ensures a refined surface finish that accentuates the stone character.

Color description is central to assessing this lapis, the dominant hue is a rich purplish blue, carrying a vivid intensity that remains consistent across the table. Lapis from Afghanistan is known for deep, saturated tones, and this example aligns with that expectation, showing a concentrated face color that reads as deep royal blue with purplish overtones in varied lighting. The stone is opaque, which is typical for lapis, and the tablet cut maximizes the visible color plane. Under close inspection the surface exhibits a natural texture with subtle granular variation that is characteristic of natural lapis, and these textural qualities contribute to the overall aesthetic rather than detract from it, confirming the authenticity and geological character of the material.

Cut and polish details are important for fabrication and setting considerations, the cushion outline is gently rounded at the corners, producing an elegant pillow like profile, and the tablet cut presents a low height relative to its face dimensions, suitable for low bezel settings and designs that require a stable seated element. The excellent polish enhances the smoothness of the tablet surface, reducing apparent surface irregularities and producing a consistent luminous appearance when viewed head on. The dimensions 12.72 x 12.70 x 2.23 mm indicate a large face area with a modest thickness, this proportion makes the stone appropriate for pendants, brooches, and statement rings where a lower profile is desired to minimize snagging and to facilitate comfortable wear. The absence of enhancement means there is no dye or resin treatment, and this natural state should be taken into account when planning setting and finishing techniques, particularly adhesive or bezel work.

Practical considerations for use, lapis is a relatively soft and porous material compared with traditional gem materials, therefore care in mounting and daily wear is recommended. Given the tablet profile and the polished face, a protective bezel or secure prong design that does not expose the stone edge to undue impact is advisable, this will help preserve the even polish and maintain the vivid color intensity over time. Routine cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap solution is suitable, avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam, as these can affect natural surfaces. The Natural Gemstone Company recommends that jewelers test any adhesives or bezel compounds on a sample before final setting, and that mounting techniques that minimize direct pressure on the table and edges be preferred to protect the structural integrity of a thin tablet cut.

Provenance and authentication notes, this lapis is identified as coming from Afghanistan, a well established source for high quality lapis with deep blue to purplish blue tones. The combination of weight, dimensions, tablet cut, vivid color intensity, excellent polish, opaque body, and the noted origin together form a concise profile suitable for catalog records and appraisal documentation. The Natural Gemstone Company documents the untreated status as enhancement no enhancement, ensuring transparency for collectors and designers who require natural material. This description is provided to assist in evaluation, selection, and design planning, and to support responsible handling and appropriate setting choices for this refined example of natural Afghan lapis.